New bike shelter for students at St Hugh’s Primary School

A Holts primary school has a new bike shelter thanks to us after the headteacher asked if the housing association could help install one.

Nearly £4700 has been spent on the structure at St Hugh’s Primary School in Wildmoor Avenue.

Head Jane Lisic mentioned pupils had nowhere to put their bikes when we were undertaking a litter pick ahead of 'Walk to School month' last year.

We sprang into action and contacted one of its contract partners Firecracker Projects who, alongside the machinery donation from Travis Perkins, agreed to fund the shelter as part of FCHO’s social value drive. It was installed in November.

“Staff and pupils are absolutely thrilled we have a new bike shelter,” said Mrs Lisic.

"Everyone at St Hugh’s would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to FCHO and Firecracker for their generous support.

“Before it was built, the children would have to leave their bikes all over the grass and had nowhere to secure them.

“They would get wet when it rained and that often meant wet seats for the return trip home. Now the bike shelter means they stay safe and dry all day.”

She added: “We have so many children who already cycle or scoot to school and we are hoping the shelter will encourage more of our pupils to do so, helping them to start the day in a healthy and active way." 

Ben Thomas, Head of Community Services, said: “Many of our Holts customers' children attend St Hugh’s, and we hope the new bike shelter will encourage active travel and a healthier, happier community.

“We are committed to creating safe and cohesive communities and improving wellbeing and resilience in our neighbourhoods because we are more than just a landlord. This successful project is testament to that."

Firecracker Projects has also donated hi-vis jackets for the children, and the school plan to introduce bikeability cycle training sessions in the coming months.